Burrowing Owls' Unexpected Cruise Adventure and Return to Florida

In February 2023, two burrowing owls unexpectedly stowed away on the Royal Caribbean International cruise ship, Allure of the Seas, during its departure from Miami for a trans-Atlantic journey to Cartagena, Spain. The owls were discovered by passengers as they roamed the ship's Central Park area, which features over 12,000 plants. Crew members eventually captured the birds using nets, ensuring they were fed and hydrated throughout the voyage. Upon arrival in Spain on February 20, the owls were taken to a wildlife rescue center in Murcia, where they have remained in quarantine.

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Wildlife officials in Florida are now preparing to return the owls to their native habitat. Their flight back to the United States is scheduled for mid-January, funded by the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida, which collaborates with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Once they arrive, the owls will be taken to a facility managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture before being released into an urban environment similar to their original home in Miami.

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Burrowing owls, classified as a threatened species in Florida, are small raptors that inhabit open habitats across North, Central, and South America. They typically create burrows in the ground or repurpose existing ones made by other animals. The owls are known for their distinctive appearance, standing about nine inches tall with mottled brown plumage and bright yellow eyes. Wildlife officials speculate that the owls may have been attracted to the ship's green spaces, which could have provided a comforting environment during their journey.

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This incident is not isolated; a similar occurrence took place in January 2023 when another burrowing owl was found aboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas. That owl spent two weeks at sea before being rescued and later released back into the wild. In 2010, a burrowing owl was also discovered on the Oasis of the Seas, highlighting a pattern of these birds inadvertently boarding cruise ships.

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Tindl Rainey, director of conservation and external relations at the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida, expressed relief at being able to assist the owls, stating, “They’re having quite the adventure, and we’re glad to help get them safely back to a burrow in Florida.” Natalie Montero-McAllister, the FWC's imperiled species policy administrator, noted the bewildering experience for the owls, emphasizing the ship's park-like environment as a potential attraction.

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While the return of the owls is welcomed, some wildlife advocates have raised concerns about the broader implications of human activities on wildlife. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for awareness regarding the interactions between wildlife and human environments, particularly in urban settings.

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As the owls prepare for their return, wildlife officials will monitor their health and readiness for reintegration into the wild, ensuring they can adapt to their natural habitat once again.

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